WINNIPEG, MB — UBC Okanagan defeated the University of Manitoba 3-1 on Saturday at IGAC, claiming sets of 25-22, 25-21, 24-26, and 25-23. The Heat notched a .267 hitting percentage, bolstered by 50 kills and 49 assists. The visitors also recorded a notable 14.5 total blocks, contributing to their victory. Manitoba managed to take the third set, but UBCO's performance, including six service aces, secured the win.

Zach van Geel recorded 41 assists and added three kills, contributing significantly to the team's offensive setup. Seba Manuel tallied 17 kills and three block assists, finishing with 19.5 points. Thys Weststrate contributed seven kills and registered a team-high 10 total blocks, enhancing the defensive efforts. Xander Van Driel contributed 13 kills and four assists, amassing 15 points for the match.

UBCO secured the opening set 25-22 against Manitoba, capitalizing on their blocking advantage with three total blocks while holding the home team to none. UBCO's 13 kills helped offset their five attack errors, while Manitoba's six service errors undercut their two aces. The turning point in the set came when head coach Scott Koskie called a timeout with his team trailing 15-10. UBCO would go on to win nine of the next 13 points to help them claim the set.

UBCO capitalized on key errors from Manitoba to win the second set 25-21. UBCO delivered 13 kills and two service aces, while also recording three blocks, including the winning point thanks to a Manuel/Weststrate stuff, to maintain a defensive edge. Manitoba struggled with errors, committing four service errors and one blocking error, which contributed to their inability to close the gap. The visiting team's ability to minimize attack errors, with only two, helped secure their advantage in this set.

Manitoba narrowly edged UBCO in the third set, 26-24, capitalizing on 19 kills while maintaining a clean attack with no errors. UBCO managed 13 kills and three blocks but was hindered by four service errors, which curtailed their momentum. Despite the close contest, UBCO's errors contributed to their narrow set loss.

The Heat narrowly edged Manitoba in the fourth set, clinching it 25-23 with a strong defensive presence marked by five blocks. Despite being outkilled 12-11 by Manitoba, UBCO's three service aces provided a crucial edge. The visitors overcame four service errors, capitalizing on Manitoba's two service errors to close the set and extend the match. Fittingly, the match ended on a solo block from van Geel to keep the Heat perfect on the season.

Looking ahead, UBCO will host the Alberta Golden Bears in their home opener on Saturday, October 31 in Kelowna, B.C. The action is set to begin at 5:30 p.m., offering a chance for the Heat to showcase their skills on home court.

Game Notes:
- Weststrate's nine block assists are the second most in a single game in team history
- Woelder's eight block assists are tied for the third most in a single game in team history
- Manuel's 17 kills match his career-high for a regular season match with the Heat
- Saturday's win marks the first time that UBCO, since joining Canada West, have won the first two road games of a season